Do I need a lift? One or both breasts? (Photo)

You would benefit from a lift on the more larger ptotic breast. I would do this breast first and then see if it is necessary to do the opposite breast. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello, and thank you for your question. I agree that there are some obvious asymmetries between the breasts. The left breast is much wider and lower with a grade 2 ptosis (nipple below the fold but not at the bottom most part of the breast). The right breast has a much narrower shape, possibly mildly tubular breast deformity, and the nipple appears at or slightly below the fold (grade 1 ptosis). To correct these degree of asymmetries you would typically need a combination mastopexy/breast lift and augmentation procedure. I do recommend a second opinion in an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to review your exam and your options!

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants, and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

You definitely need a lift to get your breasts right along with an implant. A lot of plastic surgeons like just popping in implants if they can because it’s easy. Find a surgeon who knows how to perform a lift with implants. Expertise with this procedure varies tremendously.

Dear mamabear226,
determining whether you need simply a breast augmentation versus a breast lift can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position. Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just a breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often still using implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. To be sure a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what the patient actually needs.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, thanks for your question. Do you "need" a breast lift? That depends on you. If you feel comfortable, you don't need anything. If you want more symmetry, correct saggy skin, or make your nipples look upward, you may have a procedure, with or without implants. If you make a decision, consult a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck!

You need a lift. Otherwise, you will have larger and still sagging breasts. Implants do not lift, but do add volume.